itsandyw "Eating in MN, the Land of 10,000 Plates"

Most people’s favorite deli counters, are favorites in spite of cold, impersonal counter service. Sensible diners seem to lower their standards during the lunch rush, to a simple equasion of “Fast Turnaround + No Mistakes = Good Lunch”. After visiting the Lotus a few times, I realized what I’ve missed. Here is a typical downtown lunch spot, with its share of regulars and noon-to-one rushes. But I get smiles here with my food. The counter help looks me in the eye and tells me to enjoy my meal. First names are remembered, and yeah, this Cheers has a few Norms around here as well. I’m reminded that it’s not the 14 fortune cookies thrown in my bag that keep me coming back. It’s not just the plentiful garniches accompanying my bowl of pho, that have me feeling like I paid for one meal and got away with two. Service is fantastic here, and if a meal comes late, they are all too happy to compensate, making certain you leave with a smile. There is a pride and a love in this family-owned restaruant that raises the bar.

On to the food. Fresh. Plentiful. Rich flavors. This is the kind of place you take friends to and all share bites of your orders. “I’ll get the pho if you get the beef salad, and he’ll get the curry mock duck.” The entrees do not disappoint and neither do the portions. Take the chicken pho, for example: One quart-size container of well-steeped broth, swimming with tender chicken and veggies. A verdant grove of bean sprouts, and meadows of fragrant thai basil, jalapeno slices and cilantro are just over a hilltop of tender noodles, all kept fresh in a seperate container. And little cups of hoisin and rooster sauce, to boot. It feels like the first time I ever opened a Happy Meal as a kid. Mom’s chicken noodle soup was never this good.

Definitely worth a visit to the Lotus. It may become that place where everybody knows your name.

I’m not gonna go haywire with the hell puns. Just gonna say that this is a one-of-a-kind joint for lunch or breakfast.

People right away notice the decorum; steer skulls painted bright red. Crows roosting in a dead tree in the corner. Downright entertaining. Gimmickry? No, don’t be deterred; you came for a good meal firstly, and you’ll get that at Hell’s Kitchen. The chef and owner have utmost confidence in the food, and rightly so. The classic BLT makes bold statement with the addition of deep-fried walleye. Yeah, that’s right, walleye, I said it! My buddy Jay shrugged , gave it a try and quickly downed the whole sandwich. I ordered the huevos rancheros. This isn’t a mushy mass of eggs, beans and cheese, hell no! (Whoops, let one slide there.) These huevos stand tall atop a crisp, flaky tostada. And fresh, burst-in-your-mouth grape tomatoes are king of this mountain. I’ll never enjoy the dish anymore, anywhere else unless it’s served this way.

There were far more breakfast and lunch dishes that I will have to try, like the native-inspired Mahnomin Porridge and the bloody mary. I’ll be going to Hell again soon.

Like a drifter riding into a new town, I kept my steely eyes on the lookout for trouble, arriving here. The ownership had changed hands and menus more’n once in the last some years. Plus, my town of Hudson, Wisconsin is a tough town for eating establishments. Seen ’em last around here like the rainy seasons–never long.

But there’s something here, puts a mind at ease and makes a stranger feel like kin. Lot of things, in fact. Like the welcoming fire you can see (and smell) in the wood-grill, right as you step thru the front doors. Or the way the server is so Johnny-on-the-spot with drink refills, so kind with the youngsters. And of course, that grub is food worth sitting down to. The offerings walk a narrow ridge between the spicy Southwest and the meat and potato mainstays of the Midwest. For all all the ‘Sconnies (Wisconsin folks) who have to have sausage with every meal, the Queso Con Chorizo sits quite well. And though one certain dairy product is usually considered the main course in these parts, Idaho Chuck understands. Sandwiches like the Kinda Hot Santa Fe Sandwich wear a thick, thick slice of pepper-jack just as proudly as you wear your own Stetson. Be sure to check out the selection of beers and liquors, too, if’n you can read so long a drink list.

I know I’ll come here again. It’s more than just a spot for a great square meal, it’s a place worth coming home to. It really feels like home, and I’m reminded of that as I’m leaving and I hear the owner calling out over the bar, “Thanks, see you tomorrow!” Will do.